Louisville, Ky. — May sales at Papa John’s restaurants were up 33.5 percent in the U.S. and Canada on a year-over-year basis, marking the second month in a row that the pizza chain recorded its highest sales on record, according to Papa John’s Inc. president and CEO Rob Lynch. The May sales period was recorded from April 27 to May 24, and the company said it will continue to provide monthly updates through the end of the second quarter. In April, the Louisville-based chain reported a 26.9 percent increase in …
Austin, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released plans for the second phase of the state’s plan to reopen the economy at a press on Monday afternoon, notably giving bars the option to begin reopening Friday, May 22. Under the terms of the plan, Texas bars, wine tasting rooms and craft breweries may initially reopen at 25 percent occupancy with regard to indoor seating only. In addition, childcare centers, youth clubs and bowling alleys may begin reopening this week as part of Phase II of the plan. Restaurants may increase …
Chicago — SVN Chicago Commercial has arranged the sale of the Chicago BrauHaus restaurant property for $3.1 million. The historic building is located at 4732 N. Lincoln Ave. within Chicago’s Lincoln Square. Tim Rasmussen and Marcus Sullivan of SVN represented the buyer, GW Properties. Matt Feo of Essex Realty Group represented the sellers, Harry and Guenter Kempf, who are longtime owners of the Chicago BrauHaus. The restaurant closed in late 2017 after 52 years.
Washington, D.C. — In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Peterson Cos. has unveiled its plans for welcoming back tenants and customers, once permitted to do so. Peterson owns and operates open-air, mixed-use and power center properties. The company will implement the plan across several of its properties, including at National Harbor, Downtown Silver Spring, Rio in Gaithersburg, Fairfax Corner and Fair Lakes. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he wants to slowly begin reopening retail businesses in the state, but he will allow northern Virginia to move at its own …
Baton Rouge, La. — While the majority of its 500 restaurants are open and serving customers through its drive-thrus, Raising Cane’s dine-in only restaurant has shifted operations to make masks instead of its signature chicken fingers. Raising Cane’s crew members have begun sewing three-ply cloth masks to ease the shortage at local hospitals, donating more than 600 masks after the first week of production. As crew members get more proficient, the numbers are expected to grow significantly in coming weeks. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of our crew …
On May 8, Southeast Real Estate Business and Shopping Center Business magazines hosted “Atlanta Retail Reboot,” a webinar where experts from the Atlanta investment, retail and brokerage communities were invited to discuss what they are seeing in the retail market, the impact of the coronavirus on existing properties and on new developments, as well as what retail and restaurants will look like in the near and long term. Many retailers have been closed for weeks due to COVID-19, and the retail industry is facing a tough comeback. Listen to learn …
On May 7, Texas Real Estate Business and Shopping Center Business magazines hosted “Texas Retail Reboot,” a webinar taking an in-depth look at what the Texas retail real estate community needs as the state reopens after statewide shutdowns due to COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic isn’t over, but Texas retail is adjusting to a new normal, including figuring out what retail will look like going forward. What will the future of Texas retail look like post-coronavirus? Find out what industry experts have to say about these topics and more: How will Texas retailers …
Seattle — This week, Seattle-based Starbucks started re-opening its company-operated stores across the United States. Operating under modified operations and hours, including heightened safety protocols, the company plans to have more than 85 percent of stores opened by May 9 and expects to have more than 90 percent of stores open by early June. The company is using its experience in China, where more than 98 percent of its store are open and operating under revised protocols, as the foundation for its re-opening in the United States amid the continued …
Little Rock, Ark. — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has rolled out Phase I plans for reopening the state. Hutchinson says gyms and fitness centers will be able to open Monday, May 4, while restaurants will be allowed to operate dine-in services at one-third capacity Monday, May 11. The guidelines for gyms and fitness centers include the use of facemasks for staff and patrons except when exercising, daily temperature checks for employees and patrons and social distancing of at least 12 feet while exercising. Additionally, Hutchinson placed restrictions on patrons who …
East Rutherford, N.J. — German Doner Kebab (GDK), a fast-casual restaurant chain, plans to open 350 restaurants in the United States over the next seven years. The first location will be within American Dream in East Rutherford. The Glasgow, Scotland-based company specializes in doner kebab, which is a slow-cooked meat often served on a flatbread. GDK operates more than 70 locations in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Oman, and Bahrain. GDK also plans to open locations in Ireland and Saudi Arabia. New York City-based JAACRES is representing GDK in …